Latest news with #BlueSamurai
The Hindu
08-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Japan thrashes Hong Kong in EAFF E-1 Football Championship
Japan started its title defence at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship with a comprehensive 6-1 win against Hong Kong at the Yongin Mireu-Stadion in South Korea on Tuesday. Japanese striker Ryo Germain, who made his senior team debut, scored four goals in 22 minutes to hand his side command of the encounter. The 23-year-old opened Blue Samurai's account in the 4th minute and went to score in 10th, 22nd and 26th minute of the match. ALSO READ | Japan vs Hong Kong: Who is Ryo Germain? Hong Kong trailed 0-5 at the break with midfielder Sho Inagaki scoring the other goal. In the second half, Hong Kong displayed a resolute performance and got on to the scoresheet in the 59th minute via striker Matt Orr. However, that was just a mere consolation. In the final minute of added-time, substitute Sota Nakamura made it six for the defending champion.
West Australian
27-05-2025
- Sport
- West Australian
Socceroos forward Brandon Borrello says focus on Japan ahead of crucial two-game World Cup qualifying window
With a FIFA World Cup berth on the line in their upcoming two-game window, Socceroos forward Brandon Borrello says they are not looking beyond their blockbuster qualifier in Perth. And Borrello says the national team are reaping the rewards of their 10-day camp in Abu Dhabi as they prepare for their qualification campaign's defining double-header against Japan and Saudi Arabia. Victory against Japan at Optus Stadium would all but clinch a spot at the 2026 tournament for Australia, barring a thrashing against Saudi Arabia in their final group game in Jeddah. Even a point against the Blue Samurai next Thursday might be enough to secure qualification if Saudi Arabia are unable to beat Bahrain a few hours later. With the Socceroos nursing a three-point lead over Saudi Arabia in the race for the final qualifying spot, the pair's clash looms as decisive — but Borrello said the focus was all on game one in WA. 'The mindset is, we play Japan, and that's it for now until Japan's done; then we go play Saudi,' he said. 'It's just taking it one game at a time. It sounds cliche, but it drowns out the noise, so our focus is Japan right now and then we'll reassess where we are for Saudi.' It has been almost a week since the Socceroos assembled in Abu Dhabi and Borrello said the opportunity to have such a long lead-in under coach Tony Popovic before the two pivotal games was helpful. 'How often do you have the chance to have this extended period of time with a team before leading into World Cup qualifiers or a tournament?' he said. 'We're pretty lucky in that sense and the boss is very specific to detail. We're getting that drummed into us now, the style of play, because obviously it's a new bunch of boys. 'We've got players returning that haven't been a part of the squads for a while and we've got new players as well, so it's a big combination of staying fit, understanding the style that we want to play leading into Japan and the Saudi games. 'We've had time to sit down and analyse how it is that he (Popovic) wants us to play and when we step out on the pitch, it takes maybe one or two days to understand the patterns of play. 'They might look maybe a little bit clunky, but then after that, day-by-day, it starts to become a lot more fluid, which is a lot quicker than what was to be expected.' Borrello has played 13 times for the national team but has never featured in a major tournament and the Western Sydney forward is understandably eager to change that ahead of Popovic naming his squad for the two games towards the end of the week. 'There is an element of fitness, but it's also intensity and training and doing the things the boss wants under that sort of environment,' he said. 'You go out into training and whether it's just a short session that's been planned, it's always 'do it at game speed', which is probably one of the biggest things we need to get done over here, considering the climate we could be playing in Saudi Arabia.'
Leaders
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Leaders
Preview: Saudi Arabia in Tough Mission against Japan in World Cup Qualifiers
Saudi Arabia aim to build momentum against Japan in the 8th round of 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Saitama Stadium on Tuesday as a win would keep their qualification hopes alive The Saudis edged China 1-0 last week, ending a four-match winless streak, thanks to Captain Salem Al-Dawsari's strike reignited their campaign, lifting them to third in Group C with nine points. With three games remaining, they trail Australia by one point but lead Indonesia, Bahrain, and China by three. However, only the top two secure direct entry to the 2026 World Cup, while third and fourth face playoff hurdles. Defensive Blow for Green Falcons The Green Falcons face a double blow as defensive duo Saud Abdulhamid and Hassan Kadish will miss this crucial match due to injuries. Coach Herve Renard expresses confidence in his squad to secure a finals ticket. He emphasizes the need for readiness heading into the game. 'We face a very strong team, but this match is vital with only three games left,' Renard stated on Monday. 'We must prepare for a challenging game. In football, self-belief is essential for qualification.' 'It's a tough sprint for the second position,' Renard added. 'Japan plays with discipline and will compete at 100 percent.' On the other hand, Japan have already secured qualification but aim to extend their unbeaten run. The Blue Samurai top Group C with 19 points, scoring 24 goals—10 more than any rival. Moreover, their defense shone too, keeping 11 clean sheets in 13 qualifiers. Hajime Moriyasu's squad blends attacking flair with defensive resilience, making them favorites. Historical Edge Favors Blue Samurai Historically, Japan have proven formidable against Saudi Arabia, winning 11 out of their last 18 encounters, while Saudi Arabia secured victory in 5 game, with one match ending in a draw. Their most recent clash was in October 2024, where Japan won 2-0. Possible Lineups: Japan: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, H. Ito; J. Ito, Endo, Tanaka, Mitoma; Kubo, Kamada; Machino Saudi Arabia: Al-Aqidi; Al-Shanqeeti, Tambakti, Lajami, Boushal; Al-Juwayr, Al-Ghamdi, Yahya, N. Al-Dawsari, S. Al-Dawsari; Al-Buraikan This clash pits Japan's consistency against Saudi Arabia's desperation. Will the Green Falcons defy history? Or will the Blue Samurai continue their dominance? Stay tuned for live coverage as this high-stakes showdown unfolds! Short link : Post Views: 7
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🚨 The 2026 World Cup has its first qualified nation 🌏
Japan have become the first team to book their place at the 2026 World Cup. Or at least, the Blue Samurai are the first nation to punch their ticket to the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer via the traditional qualifying route. All three host nations are automatic qualifiers but Japan have added their name to the revamped 48-country tournament. JAPAN BECOME THE FIRST TEAM TO QUALIFY FOR THE 2026 WORLD CUP! 🇯🇵 — B/R Football (@brfootball) March 20, 2025 That came thanks to a 2-0 win over Bahrain on Thursday via second half goals from Daichi Kamada and Takefusa Kubo. Who will join them in North America? Forty-four places remain up for grabs... 📸 Kenta Harada - 2025 Getty Images
